Meet and Greet: Gabrial Saynte – A Star Is Born
Posted: September 21st, 2010Today’s post written by Leah
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It’s not every day that you come across a label that has serious street cred and will have the older males in your house wishing they could fit into your sons clothes! When KSF hit Kids in Style in Sydney back in February, we came across the ‘astarisborn‘ range by label Gabrial Saynte – www.gabrial.com.au – (pronounced Gabrial Saint), a unique blend of pop culture and masculinity, packaged into the most dynamic t-shirts to burst out from Australia in recent years.
So what’s the story behind Gabrial Saynte? Over the last week or two, I’ve been fortunate enough to catch the label’s mastermind designer, Gabrial Cameron, between flights abroad and delve into what makes Gabrial Saynte a stand out label.
Tell us a little about your background
Current residence: Paddington, NSW.
I’m a Sydney boy born and bred who grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth surrounded by the ocean. I am a designer by trade who, previous to Gabrial Saynte, worked for years in various sporting roles as a means to supplement my “hobby”. The company is made up of myself and a merry band of gypsies around the globe with similar tastes who produce clothing as a reason to enjoy each others company.
How did Gabrial Saynte come about? Why “Gabrial Saynte”?
Most probably not the most conventional way as I’m pretty much the only individual I know who hasn’t recently married or become a parent. I was doing work for various clothing companies at the time yet I was finding that my personal taste on current fashion trends was heading in polar directions.
I was never sold on designing “adult fashion” because I prefer how kids stuff tends to be more fun, carefree and exciting. As a byproduct I slowly began designing clothing for friends. One tee turned into two tees and next thing you know I had an office filled with 50 new samples for a summer collection.
What has the proudest Gabrial Saynte moment?
Believe it or not I’m an extremely shy person who unfortunately was born with a face that blushes at the merest sign of recognition. So whilst you may not see Gabrial Saynte plastered all over magazines were very proud of the fact we’ve been able to build a loyal and satisfied group of followers of the years. I originally found it daunting to step off the ledge and try something on my own so I’m very proud that so far were still chugging along.
What inspires you?
I tend not to be inspired by things rather than being humiliated into action. In fact, pretty much the entire blog (http://gabrialsaynte.tumblr.com/) is a series of objects that I find so obscenely superior to anything I’m able to create I kinda get depressed….then 5 mins later you’ll find me armed with a pad and pen trying to pull a rabbit out of my hat.
I hate how Howard Hughes conquered the world by the age of 30 and that Jay-Z is both an awesome rapper and married to Beyonce. I regularly undertake trips to the ocean in an attempt to recover my sanity or the tattoo parlor to enhance my geisha-like complexion.
What are your top 3 favourite things for babies and kids right now?
Honestly there are so many amazing “girl” labels out there that’s its staggering. We’ve been all over the place yet anytime we check out a new store or trade events in Australia we got so envious on how cool all the new stuff looks.
I literally have 1,000 ideas on what I would think would be fantastic but alas my DNA makeup has rendered me useless when transferring ideas to fabric. So if any of those guys out there want to get together and conquer the world lets go!
… Oh, and DJ Lance Rock.
What is your favourite childhood memory?
Well I was an 11 pound baby so dare I say childbirth was more enjoyable for myself than my mother. I am the youngest of 3 children so there was never a shortage of toys to play with and I pretty much had free reign over the local neighborhood. I have it on good authority that I was anything but an angel growing up but however my favourite childhood memories are a dead heat between surfing and drawing…things that have continued through to adulthood.
Tell us about your latest range? Where did you draw your inspiration from? How did you choose the names for each tee?
Firstly I have to apologise for those waiting for some new material, because as of late we’ve been immersed in working with some incredible designers trying to perfect a great new range of boys sunglasses, jewellery, jeans and other general wear.
However due to spending a lot of time lately in airport transit lounges there’s a definite Americana flavour in the new collection. Titled “astarisborn” there’s plenty of references to the silver screen and some subtle influences to some various tabloid luminaries. We’ve done our best to try and slip a little bit more colour in there with the intention that in a couple of years time Gabrial Saynte headquarters will resemble that of a packet of Skittles.
The name of the tees helps simpletons like myself remember certain designs when I’m talking to prospective clients and are usually a byproduct of what’s on high rotation in the office at the time. Recently its been a mix of Entourage and 30 Rock episodes wedged in between anything featuring Robert DeNiro or Dustin Hoffman.
Where do you see Gabrial Saynte in 5 years time?
Unfortunately the problem with Gabrial Saynte is that we’re always preoccupied about what’s in store down the road instead of the immediate future. We’re super duper excited that as of October the entire range will be available at the click of a mouse (www.gabrial.com.au) with the other products to follow shortly after. I intend on continuing to work in this area I love, and that the Gabrial brand will be known for a company that continues to provide unique pieces.
The Gabrial Saynte Spring/Summer 2010-11 collection will be available to purchase directly from the Gabrial Saynte website from October 2010.
